Atul Desai is no more, the dance of classical notes falters

Atul Desai, a classical vocalist respected by rasikas and peers across the world, has passed away at 80.Desai was the protégé of the mighty Hindustani divinity from Gujarat, Pandit Omkarnath Thakur.

| TNN | Jan 23, 2013, 04.52 AM IST

AHMEDABAD: Atul Desai, a classical vocalist respected by rasikas and peers across the world, has passed away at 80. Desai was the protege of the mighty Hindustani divinity from Gujarat, Pandit Omkarnath Thakur. When Desai died in the Canadian city of Toronto on January 20, heartfelt tributes eulogized him as much for his artistic mastery as for his disposition.

"Desaiji's singing reflected the finest aesthetic ideals," said Manju Mehta, a feted sitarist and the custodian of the Saptak legacy. "Moreover, he was always in good cheer, radiating happiness."

Desai's admirers marveled at the fact that in his singing, one could sense Pandit Thakur's sumptuous imagination and his unyielding devotion to finesse. In Ahmedabad, Desai's genius was on stunning display at Kadamb, a well-known dance academy.

"Desaiji's compositions for dances were extraordinary," said Mehta.

N Rajam, the foremost Hindustani violinist - who was also Pandit Thakur's disciple - said that Desai was a highly committed student of their guru. "He was a great vocalist," Rajam said of Desai. "Throughout his life, he had been serving the cause of music in Gujarat with great dedication."

Desai's renown as a composer is as secure as his fame as a vocalist. "He was one of the few musicians in India who composed music for dances," said Richa Chinoy, a dancer and a close friend of Desai's family.

"Not only was he well versed in his art but he was also a magnanimous person," Chinoy said. "Another aspect of his personality was his deep spirituality."

Honours that Desai won included the Presidential Medal.

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